“I am so happy for Carmelo Anthony. He was about to suffer the most humiliating end to a perennial All-Star’s career we’ve ever seen,” Bayless said.
First reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Blazers’ addition of Anthony comes after a rocky road of free-agency bouncing through a number of different teams, which Bayless alluded to in his comment.
Anthony’s path to the Trail Blazers started before the 2017 season, when he requested a trade after spending six years with the New York Knicks. After being traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder, many thought he would be a valuable addition to an already strong roster that included the reigning MVP Russell Westbrook and All-Star forward Paul George.
At the time, they were considered the NBA’s newest “Big 3” but did not hold up to expectation after a loss to the Utah Jazz, led by rookie Donovan Mitchell, in the first round of the playoffs. Anthony also compiled his worst career season, averaging 16.2 points over the course of 78 starts.
After Anthony proved to be an awkward fit in the offense, the Thunder decided to trade him to the Atlanta Hawks before the 2018 season. After Anthony made it clear that he did not want to play for the Hawks, he was waived. He eventually signed a deal with the Houston Rockets.
The Rockets’ singing of Antony was similar to his Thunder signing. He was added to an All-Star filled roster that included James Harden and Chris Paul. Anthony was then released by the Rockets after playing only 10 games.
During the 10 games he played, Anthony dipped below his career worst while playing for the Thunder, averaging only 13.4 points per game.
“In the summer we tried to hit a home run, and it didn’t work out,” Rockets head coach Mike D’Antoni said regarding Anthony’s release from the team.
Many people, including Bayless, have expressed their happiness following the Trail Blazers’ decision to sign Anthony.
“So I’m happy he’s getting a chance. I don’t really care how he does, I’m just happy he’s gonna get a last hurrah in this league because he deserved one,” Bayless said.
A number of fellow NBA players from his 2003 draft class also praised the Blazers’ decision.
“It’s about damn time,” former Miami Heat All-Star Dwayne Wade tweeted.
Los Angeles Lakers star Lebron James responded to Wade’s tweet by saying, “Right.”
According to Wojnarowski, Anthony is expected to join the Blazers on their upcoming road trip. It is unclear if he will play in the upcoming game against the San Antonio Spurs, but he could make his return to the court against his former Rockets teammates on November 18.
